Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on Tuesday signed two new executive orders aimed at countering what he described as “federal overreach” by the Trump administration, one to prepare for potential troop deployments in Seattle and another to strengthen protections for immigrant and refugee communities.
The first order directs the city to coordinate legal and intergovernmental responses if President Trump attempts to deploy federalized National Guard troops in Seattle. It establishes a task force to prepare for such an event and requires coordination between the city, the governor, the attorney general, and community groups.
Harrell said the move is a response to Trump’s escalating rhetoric about using American cities as “training grounds” for the military. “We do not need federal troops in Seattle,” Harrell said in a statement. “This dangerous strategy will only sow fear, distrust, and confusion in our communities. We cannot be under-prepared at this critical moment.”
The move continues a soft-on-crime approach Harrell has taken since running for re-election.
